Prepatellar bursitis

Prepatellar bursitis is inflammation and fluid collection within the prepatellar bursa. The prepatellar bursa is located between the patella and the overlying subcutaneous tissue. It has been historically referred to as "housemaid's knee".

Ultrasound

MRI

Oval shaped fluid-filled sac is seen anterior to the patella and displays low T1 and bright T2/STIR signal intensity. When hemorrhage occurs T1 signal increases and T2 GRE signal reduces. The wall of the bursa may show increased thickness and irregularity.

Treatment and prognosis

Local injection of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids or local application of ice, and finally bursectomy in resistant cases.